Tundra and desert are two different types of biomes, or regions with distinct climates and ecosystems. Tundra is characterized by extremely cold temperatures, low precipitation, and a short growing season.
Deserts, on the other hand, are characterized by very little rainfall and high temperatures. Tundra is typically found in the far northern hemisphere, while deserts are found in many different regions around the world. Additionally, Tundra is covered by ice and snow while Desert is covered by sand and rocks.
| Tundra | Desert |
|---|---|
| Extremely cold temperatures | High temperatures |
| Low precipitation | Very little rainfall |
| Short growing season | Long, hot growing season |
| Permafrost | No permafrost |
| Limited plant life, mostly mosses and lichens | Limited plant life, mostly cacti and succulents |
| Animals include caribou, musk oxen, and arctic foxes | Animals include camels, snakes, and lizards |
| found in far northern hemisphere | found in many regions around the world |
| covered by ice and snow | covered by sand and rocks |
Tundra
Tundra is a biome characterized by extremely cold temperatures, low precipitation, and a short growing season. It is typically found in the far northern hemisphere, including regions such as Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Russia, and Siberia. The tundra is also known as Arctic tundra.
The tundra is characterized by permafrost, a layer of soil that remains frozen year-round. This makes it difficult for trees and other plants to root deeply, and as a result, the tundra is mostly covered by mosses, lichens, and small shrubs. The tundra is also home to a variety of animals, such as caribou, musk oxen, arctic foxes, and migratory birds.
The tundra is a fragile ecosystem, and human activities such as oil and gas development, mining, and overgrazing by domesticated animals can have a significant impact on the tundra’s plant and animal populations.
Climate change also poses a threat to the tundra, as rising temperatures can thaw permafrost and alter the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Desert
A desert is a biome characterized by very little rainfall and high temperatures. Deserts are found in many different regions around the world, including in North America (Sonoran Desert, Mojave Desert), South America (Atacama Desert), Africa (Sahara Desert), Australia (Great Victoria Desert) and Asia (Gobi Desert, Thar Desert).
Deserts can be divided into two main categories: hot and cold deserts. Hot deserts are characterized by high temperatures, low precipitation, and a long, hot growing season. Cold deserts are characterized by colder temperatures and a shorter growing season.
Deserts are characterized by limited plant life, mostly cacti and succulents that can survive with little water. Animals that can survive in desert conditions include camels, snakes, lizards, and rodents.
These animals have adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert by developing ways to conserve water and by being active during the cooler parts of the day.
Human activities can also have a significant impact on desert ecosystems. Overgrazing by domesticated animals, mining, and urban development can all lead to the destruction of natural habitats and the loss of biodiversity.
Climate change also poses a threat to desert ecosystems, as rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns can disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem.